Washington (CNN) - Liz Cheney blasted President Barack Obama in a statement Wednesday, saying he seems "unwilling to do what it takes" to protect the country from a terrorist attack.

Cheney released the statement following a report in the Washington Post that quotes journalist Bob Woodward's new book detailing the Obama administration's deliberations over U.S. strategy in Afghanistan.

According to an excerpt, Obama sat down with Woodward last July to discuss the White House's struggle with the threat of terrorist attacks on U.S. soil.

"We can absorb a terrorist attack. We'll do everything we can to prevent it, but even a 9/11, even the biggest attack ever . . . we absorbed it and we are stronger," Obama reportedly said in the interview.

In response, Cheney, the chairman of "Keep America Safe," said that Obama's "comment suggests an alarming fatalism on the part of President Obama and his administration."

"Once again the President seems either unwilling or unable to do what it takes to keep this nation safe. The President owes the American people an explanation," Cheney said.

soundoff(109 Responses)

This lady cannot really be taken seriously ????? The worst Terrorist Attack on our nation was done on her Father's watch. Who is keeping America safe?

September 22, 2010 11:21 pm at 11:21 pm |

RS

Where was her father when it was his turn to protect America? Cheny owes us an explanation why he ordered NORAD to stand down on 9/11 then led us to war in Iraq rather than the arrest of Bin Ladin.

September 22, 2010 11:27 pm at 11:27 pm |

Kendall

America is bigger than any city in this coutry, if a terrorist attack happened in this country like that of 9/11, the energy will be absorbed and portrayed outwardly. The energy, resources, and lives given to fight against 9/11 would multiply tremendously and the world will see the giant military machine awaken. Dust off... and kick a$$. Let's pray we have a smart, effiecient commander who doesn't think partisan to go after those who did the damage. Because it won't be pretty, but the effectiveness is the question, I wouldn't trust a Newt, but an Obama to hold the flame to those who composed the attack

September 22, 2010 11:40 pm at 11:40 pm |

KAScofield

Once again we have quotes out of context, no link any related text and pundits interpreting everything for us, all while "whatever it takes" is not described in while demonstrating a good grasp of the scope of issues.

This is one of those lame articles designed to lead people to take sides. Of ethos, logos and pathos, it's only managed to appeal to people emotionally, in a way known to yield polarized camp responses, for the most part. Pfffffft.

I'm sick of that. I want better journalism!

September 22, 2010 11:43 pm at 11:43 pm |

Kal From Sacramento

"We can absorb a terrorist attack. We'll do everything we can to prevent it, but even a 9/11, even the biggest attack ever . . . we absorbed it and we are stronger," Obama reportedly said in the interview.

– The President just said "We'll do everything we can to prevent it..." How does LIz Cheney draw the conclusion that he is unwilling to keep our nation safe??? I think his comment about us absorbing a terrorist attack is suggesting we are a strong nation that can come together through adversity.

If anyone who kept us unsafe is her father who started an immoral and unjust ware with Iraq by tryuing to tie the 9/11 attack to Saddam.

September 22, 2010 11:44 pm at 11:44 pm |

john hart

Could MS.Cheney explain exactly how her husband was keeping America safe while getting his 5 deferments when average Americans were dying like flies in Viet Nam?Almost 60,000,Ms. Cheney,while the coward you're married to went through hoops to avoid serving his country.He,and you,are awfully brave with the lives of other people's children.It's just really sad you have absolutely none of that bravery yourselves.

Obama's policies aside, I really do not appreciate it with policiticians simplify complex issues with a soundbite attack.

September 22, 2010 11:53 pm at 11:53 pm |

fire up! and ready to go!

Liz Chenney remind me of rotten meat!

September 22, 2010 11:58 pm at 11:58 pm |

independent

We already knew she was brainless. What is new here?

September 23, 2010 12:02 am at 12:02 am |

rs

Well, she is absolutely right. Bush flubbed the 9/11 attacks despite clear warnings from the CIA and President Clinton. Completely ineffective against terrorists. Bush was on one of his famous month-long vacations and Dick Cheney was probably trying on "undisclosed locations".

WHAT? This rube meant Obama?! What is she on?

September 23, 2010 12:12 am at 12:12 am |

Mark

Well, it makes sense that she believe the President is "unwilling" to keep the nation safe. Especially being that here father was unable to keep the nation safe.

September 23, 2010 12:23 am at 12:23 am |

AudreyinGa

Liz you ought to run and hide since you feel so unsafe.

September 23, 2010 12:26 am at 12:26 am |

maf

Seriously Liz, your dad was involved in the worst terrorist attack on US soil!! NOBODY can prevent the crazy from happening!
Step up Liz and run for the highest job in the land and then see if you have any rhetoric that would be more appropriate for public consumption. So far, you aren't making the grade!!!

September 23, 2010 12:27 am at 12:27 am |

jose morray

liz is sick..just like her daddy...when are these killers be tried and pay for murders

September 23, 2010 12:31 am at 12:31 am |

Susan

Her father owes the nation an explanation! He and Bush were not able to keep the nation safe. He couldnt even keep his own friend safe as he shot him hunting.

September 23, 2010 12:32 am at 12:32 am |

anti fgascist

These fascists are likely to say anything. They are real danger to our democracy

September 23, 2010 12:33 am at 12:33 am |

gladyola

Sorry, Liz Cheney, I don't want you in charge of my safety. Your political intrusions are tiresome and petty.

September 23, 2010 12:46 am at 12:46 am |

chad

delusional doesnt even come close to what this sick person is. i wanna puke. unwilling? are you fckng kidding? your an idiot and there is no doubt about that.

September 23, 2010 12:48 am at 12:48 am |

what

that is all the republicans want to do is protect america. they want to up military spending. but dont want to up education etc..

they want to keep going to wars with other county. they want to stay back in the bush years.

September 23, 2010 12:59 am at 12:59 am |

Greg Hodges

So the wife of Darth Vadar is now an expert on national security. Well; at least she has probably been given a course in waterboarding; if that counts?! One has to wonder if dear Liz remembers that it was her husband and Bush that were in power the morning of Sept. 11,2001. Did not seem to faze those terrorists one iota that big/bad Cheney was literally hiding in the White House basement at the time. Give me a break.

September 23, 2010 01:12 am at 1:12 am |

ABM

Why is she talking. Oh- Grumpy can't if not he would have another heart attack. Her husband should be locked up on war crimes.

She has no clue what is going on. Go away!

September 23, 2010 01:13 am at 1:13 am |

ABM

The GOP has to dig up old relics to continue driving their campaign of obstruction and misinformation.

Besides spending a crap load of money bailing companies who make faulty products and the health care reform, I can't think of anything that Obama has done.

September 23, 2010 01:19 am at 1:19 am |

Anonymous

Did Daddy say it was so?
Is it because killing hundres of thousands of people in the name of freedom isn't taking p;ace under the Obama administration that she says this? Or is it her trust fund form the Haliburton Billions she is concerned about.?

September 23, 2010 01:22 am at 1:22 am |

Tom

What Liz Cheney is actually saying is Obama is unwilling to skirt the constitution in order to keep US safe. There are rules the president must comply with. The previous administration didnt like those rules so they either re-wrote them or just broke them.